7 Ways to Capture the Olympic Spirit

© iStockphoto/arne thaysen

Right now, many of the world's greatest athletes have come together to share their hopes and dreams with the world. The torch has been lit. The fire burns on, connecting us through time and space...

The most important flame at the Olympics is not one you can see, though. It's the one that burns brightly inside each athlete; and one that can burn inside each of us, if only we would let it.

It's not a fire that destroys; it's a flame that ignites, unifies, and heals. If everyone were to capture it, then world peace would be well within our reach.

So, how do you capture it, anyway? Well, I have my own theory. It's not all that complicated, really. To capture the spirit of an Olympic athlete, you must first think like one. Here's how:

• Discover your passion.

Use it to bring your best self out into the world. Lead by example.

• Prepare.

Ask yourself the 5 W's:       

-Why am I doing this?

-When can I practice?

-Where can I practice?

-What equipment do I need?                                    

-Who can help me achieve my goals?

• Practice, practice, practice.

Compete only against yourself. Build upon your strengths, and learn from your mistakes. Take no shortcuts.

• Focus.

Live in the moment, and let nothing distract you. True Olympians don't stop to answer cell phones.

• Work from the inside out.

You can surround yourself with the best coaches, and the best equipment, but none of that will matter if you don't have the heart and soul of a champion.

• Focus on the journey, not the destination.

The fact that you even got to the Olympics speaks volumes. The medals you may or may not get do not make you a better person. The experience does.

• Be a team player, for your country and the world.

Lift teammates and competitors up; don't tear them down. Actions may speak loudly, but words echo across the world. Smiles do too...

Capture the Flame, Not the Flag

I'm not an Olympic athlete, but I do strive to put my best effort into everything I do. I prefer to concentrate on doing one thing well, but that's not so easy to do these days. We're living in the age of distraction. It's like we're all racing to capture a flag that doesn't even exist.

The Olympics will be over before we know it, but we can keep the spirit alive if we try. If we manage to capture the flame, we can pass that inner glow on to everyone around us.

It's a path to a brighter world.

The history of the Olympic Torch is fascinating! See for yourself, through these great links:

• The Olympic Flame and Torch Relay

• The New York Times' Passing the Olympic Torch: An Evolution of Form

Have a great week!